There’s nothing more refreshing than cooling down on a hot afternoon with an icy beverage. These days having ice is easier than ever. With society’s technological advances came the gift of ice makers that are easily installed into refrigerators. They are fast, convenient, and extremely cost effective.
To make the most out of your
refrigerator's ice maker, it’s important to stay on top of its maintenance to
achieve optimum performance. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you
make your refrigerator's ice maker last longer.
Choose the Best Model
Like with most things, all ice makers are
not created equal. Some refrigerators may come with them built in but choosing the best
ice maker will make maintenance easy and fast.
Skim Through the Manual
Read up on how your ice maker is
maintained. Each model will have specific care instructions and a troubleshooting
guide. Knowing how your ice maker works and how to maintain it will keep it
running at its best.
Install A Filter
Most refrigerator ice makers use water
lines to make ice and adding an inline
water filter can improve the overall quality of your
ice. It will enhance the taste of your ice and reduce contaminants. Charcoal
filters are a popular and affordable
option that can greatly improve your ice maker’s ice.
Many refrigerators with filters today have
an indicator light to let you know when to change it. You can also schedule an
auto shipment of a water filter every six months, so you don’t forget to change
it.
Clean It Regularly
Dirt and bacteria build-up can be harmful
to your health as well as your refrigerator's ice maker. It can slow down
efficiency, cause damage to parts, and create a contamination problem.
Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your ice maker should be a part of your
monthly cleaning routine.
If your ice cubes are irregular in size,
have an odor or taste bad, it’s a sign that there’s a dirt issue.
Turn It Off
Keeping an ice maker running all the time
significantly decreases its life expectancy. If you don’t need the ice, turn it
off. Most refrigerator ice makers run independently of your refrigerator's
power settings and turning it off is as simple as pressing a button.
Some Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Remember to unplug the refrigerator and
turn off the valve’s water supply before checking your system.
·
A small water supply line runs from the
refrigerator to the water filter, and if it gets
blocked for any reason, such as a tight bracket or through a faulty water inlet
valve, your ice maker will cease to
function. You may notice a bulging of the water line before the valve, and you
may need to contact a repairman.
·
A clogged filter is a
common problem. You may need to consult the manual and check for debris in the
filter.
·
Setting the thermostat too low forces
the ice maker to work harder and it may wear out faster. Keep your
refrigerator's temperature settings above the lowest temperature setting, and you
can extend the life of your appliance.
·
Accidentally activating a pause feature will
stop the formation of ice. The pause feature has a control arm, which may have
been inadvertently moved or even fallen off.
·
The water line may become blocked because
it is frozen. If
this is the case, you can remedy it by
gently using a hair dryer. Make sure you have unplugged the refrigerator and
turned off the water supply before doing this, and
keep the hair dryer above the water to avoid an electric shock.
Sometimes a partial block will prevent the ice maker making enough ice.
Once
the ice has thawed and you turn back on
the power and water supply, you will hear the water running into the ice maker.
If this doesn’t happen, or if the water is discolored you need a repairman.
·
If you notice a leak, ensure the unit is
level,
and there are no constrictions in the water line. It is best to do this before
the leak gets worse!
Don’t Ignore Anything
It’s easy to disregard a funny sound or
smell. Never ignore an indicator like this that implies something is not quite
right. It’s always best to solve any problems as soon as you notice them.
Ask an Expert
When in doubt, ask a professional who
knows what they’re doing. Support lines are abundant, and service is usually
24/7. Any of your questions or concerns will be answered quickly.
Final Thoughts
With the proper care, a well-maintained ice machine will last for years. Follow these simple tips and tricks to help you prolong the life of your ice maker.
